Travis

Mia Sheridan

Published: July 17, 2021

Genres: Romance, Adult, Drama

Pages: 320

Since I have previously read Archer’s Voice, I’ll try not to render my opinion based on the other book, however I know I will come to naturally like certain characters more since I’ve seen them before. While the tragic trauma of Archer’s Voice was heartbreaking, its sadness was balanced by the wholesome love between the two MCs. Unlike Archer, Travis’ journey towards love was more angst, seeing that he needed to fix himself before anything else.

Although Travis contains a dual pov, the book seem to lean towards Travis’ point of view, which I didn’t mind at all. If anything, it was interesting to be inside of his mind, understanding what he thinks of himself as well as other people. Comparing how he acted during the time of Archer’s Voice, it is interesting to be revealed the trauma that Travis has never shown to others, even the FMC. One of these traumas include his complexity of being “second best”, given by his mother when she hid his father’s letter and villainised Archer’s family. While his previous actions are wrongful, his complexity gave an answer as to why Travis hurt Archer. Even when Archer was at his worse, Travis believed Archer still had everything, or at least more than him. Even in the present day, at the age of 30, this complexity still affected him.

The introduction to Travis and Haven’s relationship was quite amusing, unlike the cliche meeting between Bree and Archer where they stumbled upon each other. It was hilariously awful how Haven’s brother had a pattern of doing the same mistake, which is strange since he seemed to care about her a lot. Although I appreciate the flaw that was given to her brother since it only makes him more human. Both Haven and her brother have issues and they’re not there to fix anyone else’s.

On the topic of Haven - I found it to be unusual that people didn’t like her. After all, FMCs shouldn’t be clones of each other, they’re allowed to have their own issues. If anything, I liked the issues that she carried on her shoulders. It’s clear that Haven is self destructive, not allowing herself to take a chance to settle down. I enjoyed the twist that she wasn’t a bland plant girl with a clear future. Haven has psychological problems and it shows. When an average FMC has inner issues, it’s merely told rather than shown. Often I hear about their problems, but it’s never directly shown within the book. In reality, these problems should affect the FMC, it should impact them. Haven is only controlled by her issues, and that is natural for someone who has experienced trauma.

Thankfully their relationship wasn’t Insta love, although there was definitely complications throughout the rocky road of their believed friendship. I liked how Travis mainly focused on the idea of two individuals finding a family, one rebuilding the family that they lost whereas the other rebuilt the hope for a family of their own. It’s sweet to see how they grow to desire a family, despite Haven’s fear of love and commitment. While people complain that their bond is more suitable for a friendship, I would say that many best friends turn into couples.

Rather than Haven saving Travis, he saved Haven, which eventually led him into saving himself from his own behaviour. Time and time again, there are FMCS who believe they can “fix him”. But in reality, the MMC can never become “fixed” if it wasn’t for himself trying in the process. While Travis needed a little push of awakening, thanks to his cheating girlfriend, he eventually became a better person for himself. Yes, Travis did better himself for Haven as well, but if it wasn’t for his inner thoughts he would’ve never realised what he needed to do. Many may disagree, but I believe his redemption was sweet and near perfect. I don’t believe in holding a grudge forever, and seeing that he’s 30 years old, he shouldn’t need to hold a grudge against himself for the things he did as a teen and early adult. Because that wasn’t him, that wasn’t the person he was now.